2015 Volkswagen Jetta

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Volkswagen Jetta
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL, front 3.28.25. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi, 4dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi, 4dr Sedan 2.0l, 4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
44 combined · 41 city / 48 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
2,804–3,311 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 44 MPG combined — 67% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.

Watch out for

  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car offered with 4 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,007 lb (4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 44 MPG combined (41 city / 48 highway), 67% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 197 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

  • Engine dropped: 2.5L 5-cyl

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Jetta →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan 1.8l Tsi183.1 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,007 lb60/40
4dr Sedan 2.0 Tdi183.1 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,241 lb60/40
4dr Sedan 2.0l183.1 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.6 in2,804 lb60/40
4dr Sedan Turbo Hybrid183.1 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.6 / 61 in3,311 lb60/40
Gli 4dr Sedan 2.0l183.1 in70.1 in57.1 in104.3 in60.2 / 60.2 in3,124 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Jetta Hybrid Hybrid1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive41 / 48 / 44+67%$1,850200
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 44 / 35+33%$2,750289
Jetta Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 43 / 35+33%$2,750287
Jetta1.8L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+10%$2,300305
Jetta1.8L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 36 / 29+10%$2,300302
Jetta2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+6%$2,400313
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 32 / 27+3%$3,050334
Jetta2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 33 / 26-1%$3,150338
Jetta2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26-1%$2,600340
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2015 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.

Similar 2015 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Volkswagen Jetta (this car)44 MPGNot rated8
2015 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2015 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated1
2015 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated6
2015 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated1
2015 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated1
2015 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (8)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Dec 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V866000 · 2,167 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Jetta Hybrid vehicles equipped with a DQ200 7-Speed DSG Automatic Transmission. Hairline cracks can develop within the transmission electronic gearbox (mechatronic unit), causing an internal transmission oil leak and a decrease in oil pressure.
Risk
A decrease in transmission oil pressure can cause the clutch to fail to engage, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a repair kit and, as necessary, replace affected parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 34J6.
Unknown Or Other · Sep 25, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V679000 · 113 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
Risk
If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners and repurchase the affected vehicles. The recall began November 6, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D7. Note: This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 18V-329.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module · Aug 22, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V615000 · 679,027 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2015-2019 GTI, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf SportWagen and 2011-2018 Jetta vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, manual handbrake and keyless entry. A build-up of silicate on the shift lever micro switch contacts may enable the key to be removed from the ignition when the transmission shift lever is not in "Park."
Risk
Removing the key while the shift lever is in a position other than "Park" increases the risk of an unintended vehicle rollaway that may result in personal injury or a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional switch and circuit board, free of charge. The recall began November 19, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 37M2.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 26, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V705000 · 91,867 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jetta, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Passat, Golf and Golf SportWagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the camshaft lobe that drives the brake vacuum pump may shear off, resulting in a loss of brake assist.
Risk
If the camshaft lobe shears off there would be a loss of brake assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen dealer will update the engine control module (ECM) software. The recall began March 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 23R1.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive · Oct 7, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V627000 · 993 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured September 8, 2014, to November 28, 2014, Golf vehicles manufactured April 2, 2014, to December 3, 2014, and E-Golf vehicles manufactured July 26, 2014, to October 18, 2014. The affected vehicles are equipped a Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) that may have been manufactured improperly. As a result, the front passenger seat occupant may be improperly classified or may not be detected.
Risk
In the event of a crash, if the front passenger seat occupant is incorrectly classified or non-detected, the passenger frontal air bag may deploy improperly or not at all, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PODS control module, free of charge. The recall began on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswgen's number for this recall is 69L6.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Fuel Rail · Jan 23, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 44,658 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Dec 15, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V790000 · 25,007 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured July 11, 2014, to November 13, 2014. Due to incorrect software within the headlight control module, the low beam headlights may turn off when high beam lights are turned on. As a result, the light output from the headlights may be insufficient. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Insufficient headlight output may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the headlight control module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 57F6.
Seats · Oct 24, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V670000 · 393 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and Passat vehicles manufactured September 23, 2014, to October 9, 2014, and equipped with manual front seatback recliners. In the affected vehicles, the seatback recliner retaining bracket may not engage correctly, resulting in unexpected movement of the seatback.
Risk
Unexpected movement of the driver's seatback may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the assembly of the seatback recliner retaining bracket, correcting it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 72F1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

197Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
42,804 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine43
Electrical System43
Unknown Or Other35
Power Train23
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Service Brakes19
Air Bags16
Steering15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/01: 223/02: 123/03: 223/04: 223/05: 123/07: 423/08: 123/09: 124/01: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 225/02: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 125/09: 125/12: 126/01: 126/03: 126/08: 123/0123/0423/0824/0724/1025/0525/0826/01max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Volkswagen Jetta buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 43 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,804 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Jetta years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Jetta34–Not rated00
2026 Jetta34185.8 inNot rated16
2025 Jetta33185.8 in★★★★★231
2024 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★046
2023 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★043
2022 Jetta35185.8 in★★★★★143
2021 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★470
2020 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★654
2019 Jetta34185.8 in★★★★★11549
2018 Jetta33–★★★★★232
2017 Jetta33183.1 in★★★★★6160
2016 Jetta44183.1 inNot rated4164

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →